Search for Volusia boaters continues on Lake Jesup

Family and friends of two Volusia County men missing on Lake Jesup were distraught, tired and silent Sunday night as rescuers prepared for a second night of air search using infrared technology.

JULIE MURPHYSTAFF WRITER

OVIEDO — Family and friends of two Volusia County men missing on Lake Jesup were distraught, tired and silent Sunday night as rescuers prepared for a second night of air search using infrared technology. Seminole County deputies and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continued their search for Charles "Charlie" Jackson, 26, of Deltona and Jason Cobb, 30, of Osteen. Jackson's fishing boat was found in a weedy area of the lake Saturday after family members reported the pair did not return when expected, said wildlife commission Lt. Jeff Hudson. "They left from Black Hammock (Adventures) Fish Camp about 1 a.m. Saturday," Hudson said. "They were headed to Lemon Bluff in Osteen but didn't make it." Lemon Bluff is on the St. Johns River northeast of Lake Jesup. Most friends and family members declined to talk with the media Sunday. A good Samaritan provided the family with a travel trailer to use as a base camp at the Black Hammock fish camp on the southern edge of Lake Jesup."We're tired and we just want some peace," said one family member, who declined to give his name. The boat — a 15-foot Bass Tracker — was found undamaged and with the keys in the ignition in cattails less than a mile north of the fish camp, near Bird Island. Two life jackets, two paddles, eight unopened beer cans and one partly empty can of beer were on the boat, wildlife commission spokeswoman Joy Hill said. Rescuers have been searching diligently for the two men since the boat was found Saturday afternoon. "We think they were ejected from the boat, but that's a guess," Hill said by phone Sunday night. "We really don't know what happened." Hudson said the boat was found about 30 to 40 minutes away from its destination, depending on boat speed. "It's really hard to know where this happened," Hill said. "The boat could have drifted. This is a huge lake, and it's difficult to know where to start looking." Several shoes have been found during the search, including one possibly belonging to one of the two men, Hudson said. "A family member seemed to think this shoe could be one of theirs, but we don't have confirmation," he said. The weary faces of loved ones were holding onto hope as they came off the water as the sun set Sunday, and they awaited the next phase of an infrared search by air. "We just really don't have much to say," one young woman said. Wildlife commission officials are asking volunteers not to participate in search efforts. "Everyone is frustrated and concerned," Hill said. "We understand that, but searches are set up to protect the integrity of (the investigation)." The search will continue until the men are found, Hill said. Rescuers are not concerned about the alligator population in the lake because of the cold temperatures. "This time of year they are pretty lethargic," Hudson said.

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